Nancy L. Finley

November 27, 1947 - November 13, 2020

Nancy (Peluso, Juliano) Finley, 72, of Syracuse NY, passed away peacefully on Friday, November 13th, surrounded by her loved ones. Nancy Finley was born in Heuvelton, NY, and moved to Syracuse when she was just 18 years old to pursue a career in cosmetology. She then met and married Joseph Samuel Peluso in 1977. They, together, raised two daughters: Emily Jane and Jessica Mae. Nancy loved being a mother so much that she put her career on hold so she could dedicate her life to stay home and raise her girls. She then furthered her education, allowing her to embark on a fulfilling career as a teaching assistant in the Syracuse City School District. As Nancy took pride in her work, the Syracuse City School district became a big part of her life. She found her true calling caring for those in need. Nancy was then elected into the Syracuse Teacher’s Association, holding many offices, including STA Vice President, NYSUT/AFT Union Delegate, NYSUT School Related Professionals Advisory Committee Chairperson, served on various SRP committees on a state and local level, STA Unit 8 President and Chief Negotiator, for more than 1,000 members, finally retiring her illustrious career in 2014. To honor her legacy, STA declared the 3rd Tuesday of every November, Nancy Peluso Finley SRP Day! Outside of her career, Nancy had many hobbies and interests throughout her life. In her younger years, she enjoyed skiing and dancing. She was an avid reader, reading almost 4 books a month, setting an amazing example for her grandkids! She loved caring for her plants and her flowers, often spending her free time in her garden and backyard. Nancy, much like her sisters, was also very creative, always working on some project involving sewing or painting, and most recently lawn art. She was dedicated to her health and was a member of Aspen Fitness in Fairmont. She was very social and enjoyed watching SU basketball. As her interpersonal relationships were very important to her, Nancy took much pride in her friends. She formed meaningful friendships and many people looked up to her for guidance and support. Nancy was many people’s advocate, and always stood up for what was right and just. “I am woman-hear me roar” was a motto that Nancy Finley lived by. She had many lifelong friends and was gregarious by nature, often making new friends along the way. Nancy had a generous and empathetic spirit, she was quick-witted and sarcastic, the qualities her daughters are thankful to have inherited. Nancy made life a more beautiful experience simply by existing. Her love and legacy will carry on. Nancy Finley was predeceased by her parents, Roy Finley (1992) and Betty Graham (2014), her sister, Carol Finley (2008), her ex-husband, Joseph Peluso (2018), and her brother-in-law, Richard Naselli (2020). Nancy is survived by her daughters, Emily DiMarco (Stephen), and Jessica Peluso, the love of her life Steven Juliano, grandchildren, Isaiah Congden, Elliott and Carinna DiMarco, siblings, Joan Hickey(James), Betsy Naselli, Richard Finley, Janet Taylor(Rick). Nancy had many nieces, nephews, great as well, cousins and friends that were just like family. We want to thank the dedicated staff at Crouse ICU who became mom’s extended family. They went above and beyond caring for our mother, making her feel a part of their family when we could not be with her. Our family has decided to do a memorial service at a later date, as we wish to honor her legacy properly at a more appropriate time. Contributions can be made to Crouse Hospital ICU. A scholarship will be created in Nancy’s legacy through Syracuse Teacher’s Association.